Natasha Kennedy-Read and Vince Scopelliti – Wednesday, February 05, 2020 We are all familiar with the more obvious signs of workplace discrimination; but with targeted racism and xenophobia spreading faster than the Coronavirus, it is vital to be aware of the more nuanced and subtle acts of discrimination at work. Queensland has seen MP Duncan […]
In recent years, there have been a number of cases heard in the Fair Work Commission and the courts which have resulted in important practical outcomes and learnings for employers, particularly in the area of workplace bullying. Let’s take a look at some of these seminal cases. volunteers can pursue bullying claims The decision in […]
At any given time, there are multiple generations operating in the workforce: new starters, more established professionals and those heading towards retirement. While this can create a diverse positive workplace, where a range of different experiences, attitudes and learnings can be shared, it also creates a possible environment for age discrimination. Age discrimination can […]
When an employee complaint alleging workplace discrimination or harassment is lodged, it is usually seen as a negative moment in the life of the organisation. However, it is possible for an employer to view this as a positive phenomenon, rather than a sign of complete failure. This is because well-handled complaints can illuminate hidden […]
Given how much time employees spend at work every week, it is hardly surprising that romantic relationships develop in the workplace. But what happens when a romance is inappropriate, or attraction crosses the line into sexual harassment? inappropriate vs unlawful While there is nothing illegal about a workplace relationship between two consenting adults, in […]
When we think of bullying, the clichés of schoolyard taunts might spring to mind. Yet as we learn more about the wide-ranging techniques of bullying, it is clear that this deeply complex phenomenon can be hard to pin down. For example, being ignored, or made an outcast in any situation – ‘sent to […]
A decision by the Queensland Court of Appeal highlights why employers must take into account the needs of workers with an acquired brain injury, in order to avoid being considered to have discriminated against them. In Chivers v State of Queensland (Queensland Health), the Court of Appeal heard a case pursued by Ms Chivers, […]
By Andrew Hedges Whistle blowing is a part of who we are Australia is no stranger to a tradition of whistle blowing and it comes in various forms. They can be individuals who speak out against fraud, wrongdoing, illegal activities and corruption in the workplace. But, while that whistle blowing tradition has probably been […]
Have Casuals? Discrimination and Unlawful Dismissal DO Apply There are huge benefits to employers in having a workforce of casual employees. There’s no need to worry about leave entitlements, work hours can be changed at short notice, and it’s easy to shed or add staff depending on the needs of the business. Indeed, casualisation has […]
A family-run photography business has been ordered to pay a former employee more than $235,000 in compensation and penalties in a constructive dismissal ruling by the Federal Circuit Court of Australia. The ruling, made on April 30 in Melbourne, imposed penalties on the former employers for discrimination and breaching the Fair Work Act, after they […]